Category: English

Posted on

President Ramaphosa calls for water investment to take centre stage

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged that water investment be elevated to the forefront of global climate and finance discussions.

“Water investment must no longer be an afterthought at climate and finance discussions. It must be at the centre of discussions and be financed, tracked and championed,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President was speaking at the opening of the African Union – Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Summit 2025, currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

The first to be hosted on African soil, under the theme: ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’, the three-day summit, which kicked off on Tuesday, takes place during South Africa’s G20 Presidency.

The three-day summit, which is the first of its kind on African soil, coincides with South Africa’s G20 Presidency. It aims to place Africa’s development challenges, especially water security, at the centre of the global agenda and to help address the continent’s US$30 billion annual water investment gap.

In his address, President Ramaphosa challenged the attending Heads of State and delegates to leave the summit with deals, pipelines, partnerships and a permanent global mechanism to sustain the momentum.

“The matchmaking sessions planned for this summit should create long-lasting partnerships and increased investments in water. Let us build a world where every drop counts and every community thrives — a world where water is recognised as a human right and not weaponised against women, children and communities,” the President said.

Launch of Global Outlook Council on Water Investments 

The summit also marked the launch of the Global Outlook Council on Water Investments, an initiative that will see the Africa Water Investment Programme scaled up into a Global Water Investment Platform.

The President highlighted that the Global Outlook Council on Water Investment, will serve as the world’s premier high-level political and investment platform on water.

President Ramaphosa described the Council as the world’s premier high-level political and investment platform on water.

“It will mobilise leadership, capital and innovation to transform water from a crisis sector into an opportunity sector,” he said, adding that the initiative will align with the investment theme of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference: ‘Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all’.

“It will track progress, unlock finance, report annually and align efforts across the G20, UN, multilateral development banks and the private sector. It will mobilise the leadership, capital and innovation required to transform water from a crisis sector into an opportunity sector,” President Ramaphosa said.

He emphasised that the continent is looking forward to the alignment of the Global Outlook Council initiative with the investment theme of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference.

The invited leaders that will work with the South Africa G20 Presidency as co-chair in the leadership of the council are United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, and Co-Chairperson of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates.

Alternate Co-Chairs include former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, who will facilitate effective broad engagement of the Council members.

The invited leaders, as Council Members, include:
•    President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil.
•    President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico.
•    Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia.
•    Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India.
•    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia.
•    Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom.
•    Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany.
•    Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy.
•    President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission.
•    President João Lourenço of Angola and African Union Chai.
•    President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, who is co-host of the UN 2026 Water Conference.

The Council will be supported by a network of global leaders acting as ‘Council Champions’ to strengthen advocacy and mobilise resources.

President Ramaphosa commended the leaders, who have stepped forward to confront and overcome a challenge faced by billions of people across the world.

“The Council will guide the transition from fragmented water investments to a coherent, coordinated and capitalised global effort through the Global Water Investment Platform.

“In the words of the Founding President of the democratic South Africa, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela: ‘It is now in our hands’. Let the work begin. Let us leave no-one behind.” – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Democracy flourishes when all are treated with dignity, respect

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile says gender equality is fundamental to a thriving democracy. 

“True democracy can only flourish when all individuals are treated with dignity and respect and have access to equal opportunities. Gender equality is not only a struggle for a fundamental human right, but it is also essential for achieving sustainable development, promoting peace and security, and fostering a more just and inclusive society,” the Deputy President said.

He highlighted the need for a renewed commitment to the principles outlined in the Women’s Charter and the development priorities of the 2025 Group of 20 (G20).

Deputy President Mashatile was speaking at the inaugural P20 Women’s Parliament of the seventh administration on Wednesday.

He acknowledged the significant strides made in advancing women’s rights in South Africa. “We salute the contribution of women towards the liberation of the oppressed people of South Africa.” 

The Deputy President highlighted the elevated representation of women in leadership positions, noting that South Africa holds the second position among G20 nations regarding female representation, with women constituting 42% of the MPs. 

However, the Deputy President did not shy away from addressing the ongoing challenges in achieving true gender equality. 

Despite the collective progress since 1994, he pointed out significant disparities that still exist across different sectors of the economy, which remain predominantly male-dominated.

“The reality is that, despite an increase in representation in Parliament since 1994… we have not fully realised the ideals of the Freedom Charter,” he added. 

The Deputy President called on attendees to prioritise the empowerment of women in efforts to promote economic growth and social equality. 

“Women’s rights are human rights,” he said, urging collective action to combat persistent challenges such as the gender pay gap and under-representation in leadership roles.

In addition, he used the platform to advocate for legislative measures that will guarantee women-owned small, micro, and medium businesses access to working capital and inclusion in the mainstream economy.

He emphasised that achieving gender equality is a responsibility that extends beyond government. 

“Regardless of our sex and gender orientation, all of us must be motivated to continue the fight for gender equality.” 

He reminded the Members of Parliament (MPs) of the pivotal role women play not only in governance but also in the broader context of societal development.

The Deputy President touched on the legacy of the 1956 women’s march, which served as a pivotal moment in the struggle for justice and equality. 

“Their chant, ‘Wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo’ [You strike a rock, you strike a woman] goes beyond mere words; it embodies the tenacity, resilience, and strength of women,” he said, stressing that this spirit is still evident today.

The country’s second-in-command further elaborated frameworks laid out in the Freedom Charter and the Women’s Charter. 

“The Women’s Charter outlined women’s rights for voting, employment, marriage, and family… where all citizens, regardless of gender, have equal rights and opportunities.”

The P20 Women’s Parliament serves as an essential platform for discussing women’s issues and driving initiatives aimed at achieving gender equality, sustainable development, and shared prosperity in South Africa and beyond. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Africa’s Financial Industry Validates the Continental Sustainable Finance Taxonomy

Source: APO – Report:

Africa’s financial sector has taken a major step toward aligning with global climate and sustainability goals with the validation of a continent-wide Sustainable Finance Taxonomy.  The groundbreaking framework, the first of its kind for Africa, was endorsed by regulators, commercial banks, insurance firms, and development finance institutions in Nairobi on July 16-17.   

Led by the African Development Bank through its African Financial Alliance on Climate Change (AFAC) platform, the two-day workshop marked the culmination of a year-long, consultative process involving over 60 institutions from across the financial and real sectors. The Taxonomy provides standardized definitions of activities that contribute to sustainable development, enabling financial institutions to direct capital toward climate-smart and socially responsible investments.

The initiative addresses a key gap in Africa’s financial architecture: the lack of standardized, fit-for-purpose tools to unlock domestic sustainable finance. This need was first identified in a 2021 survey of African financial sector stakeholders (http://apo-opa.co/47s39C0), and later integrated into AFAC’s five-year strategy (http://apo-opa.co/3V3apNa) and Vision 2030, launched in 2023 (http://apo-opa.co/4fAZUue).

Technical support for the taxonomy was provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers Luxembourg, with funding from the Global Center on Adaptation under the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) through the African Climate Change Fund.

Nana Sika Ahiabor, Manager of the Climate and Sustainability Office at the Bank of Ghana, commended the Bank and AFAC for their leadership in developing an African Sustainable Finance Taxonomy.

“Although the taxonomy is voluntary, it comes at a crucial moment as Africa seeks to scale up green finance,” she noted. “It offers a transparent framework to classify assets and financial activities that support sustainability in an African context.” She urged African countries and institutions to adopt the tool—”developed by Africans, for Africa”—as it aligns both with global standards and our national priorities.

Other participants echoed this sentiment, highlighting the taxonomy’s potential to harmonize financial markets, attract green capital, and strengthen economic resilience.

“It has been an exciting nine-month journey,” said Ann Njuguna, Finance Manager at BRITAM Kenya. “The process was insightful and rewarding, especially as we worked through real-world case studies showing how a unified taxonomy can align African financial systems with global ESG standards while preserving our unique development priorities.”

Mahamadi Balima, Head of Sustainable Finance at the Financial Markets Authority of the West African Monetary Union (AMF-UMOA), underscored its importance for regional financial integration.

“This taxonomy is a strategic tool to guide capital flows toward sustainable investments, strengthen economic resilience, and foster inclusive growth. It will also help standardize financial products, enhance regional integration, and attract both regional and international impact investors,” Balima stated.

Representatives from the private sector also expressed enthusiasm. Rochelle Chetty of Standard Bank shared: “Participating alongside other banks, DFIs, and insurers was invaluable. The discussions were practical and collaborative, and testing the taxonomy in real-world scenarios was a vital step toward implementation.”

Senior African Development Bank leadership described the taxonomy as a foundational pillar in Africa’s climate finance architecture.

“The African Sustainable Finance Taxonomy marks a critical milestone in our efforts to create an enabling environment for mobilizing private sector resources toward sustainable development. It is a key pillar of the Bank’s Climate Change and Green Growth agenda,” said Prof. Anthony Nyong, Director of the Climate Change and Green Growth Department at the Bank.

Ahmed Attout, Director of Financial Sector Development at the Bank, added: “The consultative process that led to the validation of this taxonomy reflects our deep commitment to partnering with Africa’s financial sector to manage sustainability risks while unlocking opportunities for green investment.”

As the continent grapples with escalating climate and sustainability challenges, the Africa Sustainable Finance Taxonomy lays the groundwork for a more coherent, transparent, and aligned financial ecosystem—one rooted in Africa’s development priorities but designed to connect seamlessly with the global sustainable finance architecture.

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

About AFAC:
The African Financial Alliance on Climate Change (AFAC) is a voluntary coalition of Africa’s financial institutions hosted by the African Development Bank. It aims to direct capital toward sustainable development by fostering policy alignment, developing frameworks, and supporting innovation across the financial ecosystem.

Media files

.

Posted on

African Development Bank Unveils Groundbreaking Mapping of Women Entrepreneurs’ Associations in Africa

Source: APO – Report:

The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has unveiled the findings of a first-of-its-kind study mapping women entrepreneurs’ associations across sixteen African countries, revealing significant capacity gaps that hinder their economic impact.

Launched on 6 August in Nouakchott, the study shows that while nearly one in four African women is an entrepreneur, 87 percent of women’s associations lack financial management capacity. Only 29 percent have partnerships with financial institutions, and in Mauritania, 83 percent rely primarily on membership fees, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable financing solutions.

The report was presented during a workshop that brought together women entrepreneurs’ associations, civil society, public institutions, financial institutions, and development partners to review the findings, identify priority needs, and outline action plans.

“This workshop is a genuine space for exchange, co-creation, and forward-looking engagement. We are here to combine our expertise and chart the next steps to support women entrepreneurs’ associations across our continent, and in Mauritania in particular,” said Zeneb Touré, Manager of the Civil Society and Community Engagement Division at the African Development Bank.

Touré stressed that Africa’s future is being shaped by its women entrepreneurs, and this study can serve as a blueprint for inclusive development across the continent “if we work together”.

The mapping exercise also identified success stories, including innovative models for capacity building and financing women-led micro and small enterprises.

“These figures confirm our daily experience in the field. Our associations are brimming with potential, but they need structured support to multiply their impact,” said Fatimetou Mint Sidi Mohamed O. Elvil, President of the Mauritanian Council of Women Entrepreneurs.

The workshop also marked the start of a national collaborative effort to replicate best practices and build strategic partnerships.

“This study is of critical importance. It provides a comprehensive overview of our associations, their institutional capacities, and their specific needs,” said Lematt Mint Megueya, President of the Mauritanian Union of Women Entrepreneurs and Traders (UMAFEC).

The symbolic handover of the report to representatives of Mauritanian associations marks the start of a new phase of collaboration, positioning each association as a catalyst for the country’s economic transformation.

The initiative aligns with the Bank’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) program, launched in 2016 to close the estimated $42 billion financing gap for women entrepreneurs. AFAWA has already partnered with 185 financial institutions, channeling over $1.2 billion to women-led businesses across Africa.

Through its 2021–2025 Gender Strategy, the Bank is working to transform key sectors into accessible fields of opportunity, ensuring women and men alike enjoy equal access to resources, infrastructure, and services needed to thrive.

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Frédéric Bambara
Communications and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

Media files

.

Posted on

Eskom marching in the right direction – Minister Ramokgopa

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has assured South Africans that Eskom is “moving in the right direction” to dismantling the load shedding challenge.

South Africa has not experienced load shedding since May this year.

The Minister was speaking during a media briefing to update the nation on the state of the electricity grid.

“We are in a good space. We are moving in the right direction. We made the promise that we are going to address this situation and we made the promise that we are confident of our technical ability to resolve what many thought was an intractable challenge. 

“We are within that touching distance,” Ramokgopa said.

The Minister said Eskom does not “expect any major surprises in relation to the performance of the grid” for the remainder of the winter and the subsequent transition to the warmer months.

“Of course, this is a dynamic system. These are rotating units and there could be challenges here and there. However, the grid is designed in such a manner where we can call upon the peaking plants to help us to sustain the performance of the grid without relying on load shedding.

“[The peaking plants] are a card we have when are in major challenges… to keep the lights on,” he said.

Before the winter season, Eskom had warned that load shedding would be implemented in a situation where unplanned outages went beyond 13 000MW.

“We are doing substantially better than that. We are beginning to see that the system is stable, resilient and becoming more reliable as we move on.

“The unplanned outages of the generating units average about 10 880MW over the past seven days and] we have seen that even going below 10 000MW. I really want to congratulate the… 42 000 plus men and women at Eskom for being able to keep their shoulder to the wheel and transfix on the resolution of what is essentially an existential crisis [facing] the country.

“We are more than confident that we are getting out of the woods,” he said.

Between April and August 8, power stations have been operating with an Energy Availability Factor (EAF) that has reached 60.14%.

“This is major progress that we are making, if you look at where the performance was. If we go back to 2023 when we initiated this intervention, it was substantially lower… we are coming from a low of about 49%.

“The past 14 days or so… the EAF is continuing to give us spectacular results. At some point, we even breached the 70% mark in relation to performance of the EAF. The average month to date… we are sitting at 65.38%.

“We had made the promise to the country that we are going to experience short-term pain… We said we know what we are doing. Most of the country… believed in us and we are happy to say we are delivering against the promise that we have made and, in some instances, we are delivering more than what we had promised,” Ramokgopa said.

The Minister noted that during some periods, Eskom has been generating more electricity than is demanded.

“There are periods during the week… where we have to put machines in cold reserve, meaning… we are generating more than what the demand is and to protect the grid, we must pull back some of the machines.

“That says… we have now created sufficient space and headroom for the economy to grow on the back of this performance. We are marching and we are going to get out of the woods,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

The $10 Billion Mega-Airport Financing Partnership Between Ethiopian Airlines and African Development Bank Takes Off

Source: APO – Report:

Ethiopia’s ambition to build a new international airport that will rival some of the world’s biggest, took off on Monday with a monumental signing ceremony marking the African Development Bank’s role (www.AfDB.org) as the initial mandated lead arranger, global coordinator and book runner to mobilize nearly $8 billion of the $10 billion needed for the mega project.

The Bank plans to provide financing of $500 million, subject to Board approval.

The mandate letter was signed by Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Commercial Officer Lemma Yadecha and the President of the African Development Bank Group Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, in the presence of Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Hon. Ahmed Shide.

Other guests at the ceremony included Ethiopian Airlines Group Board Chair Hon. Lt General Yilma Merdessa, Malawi’s Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola, South Sudan’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Boutros Thok Deng, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Chargé d’affaires in Ethiopia Exkael Kabongo, his Togolese counterpart Thomas Deji, and Zambia’s Nawa Sibongo.  

Located 40 kilometers south of Addis Ababa, the new greenfield Bishoftu International Airport (BIA) will have an initial capacity of 60 million passengers, eventually expanding to 110 million, and transport 3.73 million tons of cargo annually.

“The African Development Bank is proud to partner with Ethiopia in its vision to expand the operational and fleet capacity of the Ethiopian Airlines,” Adesina said, praising Ethiopia for putting “Africa at the top in global aviation.”

 “With its 75 years of operational history, Ethiopian airlines is Africa’s oldest and best airline. It is critical for regional economic integration, connecting capitals, people and markets, with its globally rated cargo facilities,” the Bank Group chief said.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew, who was represented at the signing ceremony by Chief Commercial Officer Yadecha said, “The signing of this mandate letter marks a decisive step toward realizing a world-class pan-African gateway that will boost intra-African trade, regional integration, tourism, and global connectivity.”

Groundworks are expected to begin late 2025, with Phase I expected to be completed by November 2029. The multi-billion-dollar project will include an airport city with facilities such as shopping malls, hotels, recreation areas, as well as direct rail and expressway links to Addis Ababa.

Adesina, making his last official visit to Ethiopia, praised the “visionary leadership” of Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, who he noted is transforming the country “every hour, every day, every week, at scale. Speed and scale are now the hallmarks of Ethiopia.”

He summed up the financing partnership between Ethiopian Airlines and the Bank as a fitting one between Africa’s largest airline—with an especially noteworthy record of supporting the global response to the Covid19 pandemic—and the continent’s biggest infrastructure financier, to deliver a “game changer” for African and global aviation.

“In the past ten years under my Presidency, the Bank has financed over $55 billion in infrastructure,” Adesina said, pledging to “do all we can to support Ethiopia to achieve its dream.” He noted that the African Development Bank in 2016 extended a $160 million corporate loan to support the modernization and expansion of Ethiopian Airline’s fleet. 

“I wish to assure you that the African Development Bank will deliver, so that this project can be delivered by Ethiopia for its people,” said Adesina.

The Ethiopian Airlines Group and the African Development Bank signed a Letter of Intent on 24 March 2025 to partner for the financing of this flagship project.

The Bank has a track record of responsibly structuring and mobilizing financing from commercial banks, development finance institutions, and institutional investors for structured projects across the continent.

It supports several transformative infrastructure projects as a mandated lead arranger, including the Aysha Wind Power Project in Ethiopia and the Tanzania-Burundi-DR Congo Standard Gauge Railway Project.

Over the years, the Bank has successfully executed debt-raise mandates for limited-recourse infrastructure projects as well as state-owned transport companies such as Transnet, Portos e Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique, and Ghana Airports Company.

The Bishoftu International Airport will serve international passenger and cargo traffic, complementing Bole International Airport, which will retain Ethiopian’s domestic operations.

Ethiopian Airlines hub-and-spoke network, with subregional hubs, is driving connectivity across Africa and with the rest of the world.  With the planned airport, the speed, frequency and scale of connections for people, goods, and services is set to increase significantly. The expansion is also in line with one of the African Development Bank’s High 5 priorities, which is to Integrate Africa by breaking down barriers, building cross-border links, and enabling African economies to trade, travel, and thrive together in a globally competitive environment.

Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s most successful airline, with more than 75 years of operational history, is the seven-time consecutive winner of Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline’ in Africa’ award. In the fiscal year ending 30 June 2025, the airline reported record revenues of $7.6 billion, reflecting an 8% year-on-year growth. It transported 19.0 million passengers, with 15.1 million on international routes and 3.9 million within the country.

The company has allocated a total of $350 million for livelihood restoration and resettlement of communities that will be affected by the construction.

To read President Adesina’s speech, click here (https://apo-opa.co/3UtVYBL).

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Christin Roby
Regional Communication Officer for East Africa
Email: media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

Media files

.

Posted on

Leading tech brands drive future digital economy to support Nigeria’s us$1 trillion 2030 vision at West Africa’s largest tech, Artificial Intelligence (AI) & startup show

Source: APO – Report:

Nigeria has risen to the forefront of Africa’s digital economy with a powerful ecosystem that is both homegrown and resilient – fuelled by government initiatives, global tech enterprises, and a thriving startup ecosystem; propelling Nigeria’s future with tech opportunities in talent development and digital infrastructure to help achieve the goal of US$1 trillion economy by 2030.

Central to Nigeria – and Africa’s – ambitions of digital sovereignty lie in the opportunity to upskill, operate and expand grassroots talent and organisations. Perfectly timed to support these ambitions is the inaugural edition of GITEX NIGERIA which will act as a convergence point for key local and international decision makers, not only in tech but across multiple sectors embracing digital transformation.

Held under the patronage of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, GITEX NIGERIA premieres across Abuja and Lagos from 1-4 September 2025. It is supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The event is endorsed by Lagos State Government, and organised by KAOUN International, the global organiser of GITEX events.

A high-level Government Leadership & AI Summit in Abuja takes place on the opening day on 1 September to forge a united future for international leaders driving the growth of digital infrastructure, AI, and innovation.

Hon. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, said: “Building and deploying AI infrastructure and solutions for Nigeria and Africa is not only a technological advancement, but also a chance to redefine our place in the global digital economy. Our success in delivering on this will ensure that we evolve from being passive consumers of AI to becoming net producers of talent and solutions that can compete and thrive internationally. As the global tech community turns its attention to Nigeria at GITEX NIGERIA, we must seize this opportunity to demonstrate what is possible in our tech ecosystem, showcase the depth of our innovation and the boldness of our ideas.”

The GITEX NIGERIA programme then transitions to Lagos, headlining across two locations from 3-4 September. The Eko Hotel Convention Centre hosts the GITEX NIGERIA Tech Expo & Future Economy Conference, while the Landmark Centre welcomes the GITEX NIGERIA Startup Festival. Combined, it will be West Africa’s largest gathering of technology visionaries, industry leaders, and decision-makers overseeing digital transformation of non-tech sectors.

H.E. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State Federal Republic of Nigeria, said: “Lagos is and continues to be a city that facilitates progress. As we collectively build our city into the preferred destination for innovation and digital solutions, GITEX NIGERIA’s shared ambition will place Lagos at the heart of Africa’s digital future.”

Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General/CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency, said: “We are committed to cultivating a Nigerian digital ecosystem that becomes a global benchmark for equitable Al advancement; one that is synonymous with inclusive access to Al technologies, infrastructure, and solutions. GITEX NIGERIA is more than an event, it is the cornerstone for Africa’s digital renaissance and a catalyst for developing world-class Al infrastructure which promotes scalability, sovereignty & global competitiveness.”

Global Tech Giants Converge in Nigeria to Enable Digital Growth Opportunities

With a burgeoning big tech landscape, international names have flocked to Nigeria and other African markets to nurture talent, support with infrastructure or provide localised solutions for existing services. Whether driven by African diaspora or the promise of opportunity, international presence is expanding, often in the form of multi-sector, public-private partnerships.

As IBM operated by MIBB affirms its presence in West Africa, it continues to build on IBM’s long-standing legacy of enabling Nigeria’s digital transformation. Through local engagement and ecosystem-driven growth, the focus remains on delivering impactful solutions across key sectors such as banking, telecoms, government, and education.

Vishnu Taimni, General Manager of IBM operated by MIBB said: “Nigeria is a strategic priority for IBM operated by MIBB, anchored in decades of trusted partnerships across public and private sectors. As the country accelerates its digital agenda, GITEX NIGERIA offers a valuable opportunity to deepen collaboration and reaffirm our commitment to co-creating technologies that empower industries and communities for the future.”

A hub for international investors to discover African startups

Already Nigeria’s undisputed innovation hub, Lagos – home to 23 of the country’s 28 fastest-growing companies, according to the Financial Times – simultaneously hosts the GITEX NIGERIA Startup Festival. It will be Nigeria’s largest and most globally diverse investor programme and curated meetings between startups, investors, corporates, industry leaders, and prospective partners.

To capitalise on the transformative impact of GITEX NIGERIA on Lagos’ startup ecosystem, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will present its pan-African timbuktoo initiative at the event. The largest of its kind in the world, timbuktoo brings public and private capital together at a global scale to support and empower startups solving macro challenges facing the planet, and humanity.

The event runs with support from partners AWS, Cisco, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Kaspersky, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Space42. For more information, news and updates on GITEX NIGERIA, please visit GITEXNIGERIA.ng.

– on behalf of GITEX NIGERIA.

Notes to editors:
It is GITEX NIGERIA not Gitex Nigeria   

Social Media:
Hashtag: #GITEXNIGERIA

Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4mkntKq
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4mknv50
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/47rjc2U
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4fwxLnY

Useful links:
To access our digital press kit click here (https://apo-opa.co/4mbmH23)

Press office contact press@gitexnigeria.ng

Media files

.

Posted on

The Global Mercy Returns to Sierra Leone to Deliver Even More Free Surgeries and Expand Training for Healthcare Professionals

Source: APO – Report:

The Global Mercy™, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, docked once again in Freetown marking the start of its third consecutive field service in Sierra Leone. Operated by the international NGO Mercy Ships (https://MercyShips.Africa/), the vessel’s return deepens its partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone to strengthen the country’s healthcare system and expand access to safe, free surgeries.  

Following a brief maintenance period in Cádiz, Spain, the ship will remain in Sierra Leone for ten months, providing specialized surgical care and training in collaboration with national and local authorities.  

Welcoming the ship for the third time, Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health in Sierra Leone, reaffirmed the significance of this collaboration: “Mercy Ships is doing two critical things for us: number one, it’s delivering a much-needed surgical service for the people of this country. Number two, it’s helping train our healthcare workers in the core principles of patient care, patient life, and surgeries. When you have those, you’re not only providing a critical service today, but you’re also leaving a legacy behind. As a government, we’re extremely pleased. We’re extremely grateful for it.”  

Since 2023, the Global Mercy has provided more than 3,630 free surgeries for 3,240 individuals. The Mercy Ships Education, Training, and Advocacy (ETA) programs are also helping to strengthen surgical systems in Sierra Leone.  

Suzanne Thomas, Director of Education, Training, and Advocacy for Mercy Ships, emphasized the long-term vision of the program: “We are delighted to offer more learning opportunities on board the Global Mercy and look forward to continuing our support for service development at Connaught Hospital and accredited training for essential professions through the University of Sierra Leone.”  

To date, Mercy Ships has delivered more than 63,000 hours of training to over 290 Sierra Leonean healthcare professionals. The extended stay will allow for continued collaboration with local hospitals and healthcare professionals, supporting surgical and anesthetic system strengthening aligned with national healthcare priorities.  

Dr. Sandra Lako, Mercy Ships Country Director for Sierra Leone, reiterates Mercy Ships’ commitment to the country: “The much-anticipated return of the Global Mercy reflects a shared vision between Mercy Ships and the Ministry of Health to bridge the gap in surgical capacity in Sierra Leone. In addition to delivering free, safe surgeries on board the ship, we are deeply committed to strengthening surgical care systems in Sierra Leone through training and collaboration. Together with our partners, we are investing in local healthcare professionals who will continue to transform lives and create sustainable change.”  

The ship’s international volunteers and Sierra Leonean national crew, are preparing to begin a new phase of free surgical programs, including maxillofacial/head and neck, pediatric, orthopedics, plastic reconstructive, general, and ophthalmic surgery.  

– on behalf of Mercy Ships.

Contact:
Sierra Leone Ministry of Health:  
Abdul S. Brima/James T. Kallay  
Email: communications@mohs.gov.sl 
Website: https://MOHS.Gov.sl/  

Mercy Ships:  
Email: International.media@mercyships.org   
Website: https://apo-opa.co/4fKdbAD/  

Visit www.MercyShips.org for more information.  

Media files

.

Posted on

Deputy Minister to visit petrol-bombed Germiston Home Affairs offices

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Home Affairs Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza will today visit the Germiston Home Affairs office which was engulfed by fire on Tuesday.

Preliminary reports suggest that the office caught fire when protesters threw a petrol bomb into the office’s first floor, leading to a disruption of operations. 

Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, said in a post on social media platform X that a case had been opened and that Home Affairs was working with SAPS to provide all evidence and ensure swift arrests and convictions. 

The department has deployed mobile offices to continue rendering services to clients. Arrangements have been made as follows:

• Smart ID Card and passport applications will be received at the Germiston Civic Service Centre car park.

• Reprints of certificates will be done at any Home Affairs office in Gauteng.

• Late Registration of Birth services will be handled at the Alberton and Boksburg offices.

For other services, including marriages, clients are advised to visit other Home Affairs offices where they will receive assistance.

The Deputy Minister Nzuza will also visit the mobile offices to assess service delivery levels. 

Government on Tuesday strongly condemned the torching of the office.

Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting Director-General, Terry Vandayar, said vandalism undermined the hard-won rights and freedoms of South Africans and unfairly burdened taxpayers with the cost of repairs. 

“Such acts of vandalism undermine the very rights and freedoms that South Africans have fought hard to secure and place an unnecessary burden on taxpayers who will ultimately bear the cost of repairs. 

“While the Constitution guarantees the right to protest, it must be exercised in a peaceful and lawful manner that respects the rights of others and safeguards public property. 

“Violence and destruction are not acceptable means of expressing grievances, and will not be tolerated,” the Acting Director-General said. 

William Ntladi, spokesperson for the City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Service, said the two-storey building had been severely damaged and there were no injuries reported. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Mashatile to address NAACAM Show 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Thursday attend and deliver a keynote address at the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufactures (NAACAM) Show 2025.

NAACAM Show 2025 is a premier forum which showcases the capabilities of the domestic automotive component manufacturing sector. 

Hosted in partnership with the Automotive Industry Development Centre in the Eastern Cape (AIDC-EC), the two-day NAACAM Show will take place in Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality.

“The event brings together a diverse group of automotive component manufacturers, sector stakeholders, as well as service providers, with the aim of fostering collaboration, networking and galvanising the industry around the common ambition of achieving the overall strategic objectives of the South African Automotive Masterplan 2035,” the Presidency said in a statement. 

The masterplan seeks to facilitate localisation, trade, and investment linkages in the sector; support transformation; enable skills and technology partnerships; and facilitate outcomes-based dialogue. 

“In this regard, government considers NAACAM, which represents around 150 locally owned and multinational manufacturing brands supplying into the local OEM value chains, export markets and the aftermarket.

“It is also the leading voice of South Africa’s automotive component industry, providing representation, leadership, and strategic engagement for its members,” the Presidency said. 

NAACAM also includes associate members, who offer specialised services such as logistics, consulting, and financial support to strengthen the local manufacturing ecosystem.

Mashatile will highlight the most critical and strategic globally integrated importance of the automotive manufacturing sector, which contributes about 5.2% to the GDP and accounts for 22.6% of manufacturing output in South Africa. 

This export-oriented industry, remains globally competitive and it plays a vital role in regional and national industrial development. 

Furthermore, the automotive sector employs approximately 115 000 people in total, and the component sector is where the largest share of these employees is situated, employing over 80 000 people.

Mashatile will be accompanied by the Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; Premier of the Eastern Cape Province, Oscar Mabuyane and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, as well as senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za